IPAWS Dispatch from HipLink®

You can use HipLink to send alerts directly to IPAWS to expand your alert and warning broadcast features. By using multiple channels, an authorized agency can send alerts simultaneously with multiple channels that include cellular broadcast.

The HipLink interface enables the IPAWS (Integrated Public Alert and Warning System) module to send direct emergency messages to FEMA with defined communication pathways by an authorized User. This feature allows agencies to target with Geographical Alerts, Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), Emergency Alert Systems (EAS), National Weather Service (NWEM), COG to COG, and Public Feeds.

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) requires that an agency uses a software interface such as HipLink that is certified and meets the IPAWS requirements for access and use of the system. Any agency can apply for approval to access the IPAWS system. To become approved, they must complete a Memorandum of Agreement and apply for public alerting permissions with FEMA. They then select an IPAWS compatible software provider like HipLink and complete the required web-based training.

Once access is obtained, authorities can send alerts from HipLink through multiple communication pathways. These channels include broadcast to cell phones using Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), radios and television using the Emergency Alert System (EAS), and non-weather emergency alerts to the weather radio network using National Weather Service (NWEM). IPAWS is also designated as a Collaborative Operating Group (COG), allowing federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial alerting organizations to use HipLink for COG to COG information exchange among its various members.

HipLink has teamed up with FEMA as an IPAWS compliant CAP Alert Origination Tool to offer one of the most comprehensive public notification systems available in the marketplace today.